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Did you or a loved one get seriously injured in a car wreck? Check out these 4 car accident questions we are often asked, then call our attorneys today. 1. After a car accident in Southwest Florida, is it a good idea to talk to the insurance company? If you’re involved in a motor vehicle crash in Florida, do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company, even if it’s your own insurance company. Let your personal injury attorney handle that and help you through that process. You really need someone with the experience and expertise in personal injury to guide you through those types of things. That’s why it’s important to get an attorney involved as quickly as possible. Oftentimes, insurance companies will contact people very quickly after the crash to try to get them to give statements, or answer questions, or possibly even try to resolve their cases before they’re even able to get an attorney involved. After you’re involved in a motor vehicle crash, your life is turned upside down. It’s understandable that you would want to try to get things resolved as quickly as possible, but you want to speak to a personal injury attorney who is going to look out for your interests and make sure that you are compensated for your damages. Your damages are not always apparent in the days, weeks, or maybe even months after the crash. That’s why it’s important to talk to someone who specializes in this area to guide you through the process. We’re always here to answer questions. If you need help, please call us. 2. How can I determine the value of my car accident case in Southwest Florida? Determining the value of your car accident case in Florida is a somewhat difficult question to answer; however, there are certain factors that we can look to give us somewhat of an idea of what we can expect in terms of value. The first aspect of value would be the severity of your injuries, how much treatment you had, was there a surgery required, did you have injections, things of that nature. The second aspect that goes into determining value of a case is whether there is a dispute about liability or who is responsible for the crash. That’s important. Initially, when you come to us, we will help with the investigation, such as taking witness statements and things of that nature to try to prove arguments regarding liability. The third thing that we look at in terms of valuing a personal injury case is how did you recover from your injuries? What types of problems do you still have even months or possibly years after the crash? Those are all things that we consider when we’re looking at the value of a case. That’s why it’s important to meet with an attorney early on so that we can help with the investigation, and help develop the case, and make sure that you are getting compensation for all of your damages. 3. How long is it going to take to resolve my car accident injury claim? The length of time that it takes to resolve your car accident case in Florida is dependent upon when you reach maximum medical improvement. That’s something that your doctors will be able to tell you. Secondly, a lot of it depends on whether the insurance company treats you fairly and whether we have to litigate your case. If we have to litigate the case, of course, it takes a bit longer, but it’s worth it in the end because that’s what’s required to get you the compensation and justice that you deserve. 4. What should I do if I was injured in a car accident in Southwest Florida? The initial steps you should take when you’re injured in a car accident in Florida is, first and foremost, make sure that you’ve received medical attention. One thing that people don’t often realize is that in Florida, we have PIP or no-fault. That requires that you get treatment with 14 days. It’s very important for you to get that initial treatment as quickly as possible after the crash. Secondly, if you are involved in a serious motor vehicle crash in Florida, it’s important to hire a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. That’s because you want to make sure that the attorney gets involved in the investigation aspects of the case and that the attorney handles any communications or conversations that happen with the insurance company, whether that’s your insurance company or that at-fault driver’s insurance company. Those are all very important things to remember. Then the attorney can help you through the process. You want someone in your court fighting for you from the very beginning. That’s why it’s crucial to get an attorney involved as soon as possible. If you have questions about your injury claim, of course, we’re always here for you and happy to answer those questions. Have you or a loved one been injured in a car accident in Florida and have questions? After reading the answers to these 4 car accident questions that we are asked often, contact our experienced Southwest Florida car accident lawyers today for a free consultation and case evaluation. Like us on Facebook

April kicks off Alcohol Awareness Month in 2020. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one-in-three traffic deaths in the United States involve a drunk driver. Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) reports more than 300,00 incidents of drinking and driving a year, resulting in one preventable death every 52 minutes across the United States. Additionally, 290,000 people are injured by impaired drivers each year, one every two minutes. Nationally on average, two out of three people will be impacted by drunk driving in their lifetime. What is so startling about these statistics is that these deaths and injuries are entirely preventable, making alcohol-related deaths the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States! Alcohol Awareness Month in 2020 During the current coronavirus pandemic, there are fewer cars on the road as a result of self-isolation and stay-at-home orders, but post-pandemic return to the roads could include a spike in drunk driving accidents, as drinking is on the rise. According to market research firm Nielsen, alcoholic beverage sales are up 55% as of the week of March 15-22 across the country. Spirit sales are up, too, and have soared to 75%, while beer has seen a 66% jump and wine has spiked to 42% when compared to this time last year. Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rich & Purtz is community champions for reducing the risk of injuries from drunk drivers. For three years, the firm has been a presenting sponsor for Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s Walk Like MADD 5K walk and run that raises money to ensure no one in our community suffers from the impacts of impaired drivers. Pending possible changes caused by the coronavirus, at this time this year’s Walk Like MADD event is planned Sept. 26, 2020 at Jet Blue Park. For information on supporting click here. Our attorneys have also been active in supporting area multi-jurisdiction DUI checkpoints carried out by law enforcement agencies in Lee and Charlotte County and sponsored by MADD Southwest Florida. Sponsoring the briefing dinner before checkpoints demonstrates to the officers that the law firm and the community supports their dedication to make our roads safer for all residents and visitors. If you or someone you know has suffered injuries due to a drunk driver accident, it is important to seek legal help. The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz have over five decades of experience with personal injury cases. We provide free consultation to discuss your case and determine what can be done to protect your rights. Call us today to set up your virtual appointment as our offices are currently closed to visitors.

Many activities at our law office have gone virtual. But signing wills and trusts is an appointment that must be done in person. That does not mean that wills and trusts cannot be created during the pandemic. In fact, many people are interested in getting their end-of-life paperwork in order. Still, the process has had to change to avoid spreading the virus. Wills, trusts and other documents are necessary to make sure your wishes are carried out. Medical instructions make sure your health care wishes carried out. The five key documents to have on hand include: A will, the legal document that directs who receives your assets after death and can appoint guardians for minor children. Without one, the state’s law decides what happens after you die. Healthcare durable power of attorney, or health care proxy, allows you to name someone to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to. Living will, sometimes called an advance care directive, outlines the medical care you want if you are terminally ill, such as use of life-support systems, organ donation and resuscitation. Durable power of attorney for finances gives someone the authority to handle your financial affairs if you cannot. HIPPA authorization allows people you choose to have access to your medical records and information. This is especially important for parents who want to get medical information for their children over the age of 18. Wills and Estate Planning Signature Requirements Florida law requires that a valid will be signed in the presence of at least two witnesses, who must also sign it. Witnesses do not need to know the contents of the will but must complete a notarized statement that the person making the will signed in their presence. The client creating the will must be able to view all signings. The Florida law changed in January to allow electronic will signatures starting July 1. However, the process and some issues including electronic storage are still being worked out. The rules are from the Wills Act, which dates to the English Statue of Frauds passed in 1677. The act requires a will to be in writing and signed in front of others in the same room at the same time. The efforts are designed to make sure that wills are created voluntarily without fraud. Wills that have not followed each step can and have been challenged and annulled. New Wills and Estate Planning Procedure s The Stanford Law Review and others are suggesting that these requirements change, especially because of the pandemic. Until such time, we have created a safe process for creating wills and trusts during the pandemic. First, an appointment is made where one of our legal assistants collects and prepares information. Then, an in-person (using proper COVID-19 protocols or virtual meeting with the attorney is set to collect other necessary information. When the documents are created, approved and ready for signing, the client makes an office appointment. Clients are asked to bring masks and disposable gloves to their appointment. If they do not have them, our office will provide them as they are mandatory. A pre-sanitized table, chairs and a clipboard will be set up for the signing. The attorney, witnesses from our office and client will wear masks and disposable gloves. Pens for signing will be wrapped and new, and taken along with documents by the client after the signing. Why Use an Attorney for Wills and Estate Planning? Online legal services and templates are available for some documents. However, they do not have the same standards required for attorneys nor regulatory oversight. Their legal terms say their information and documents are not guaranteed to be correct or complete! Also, each state’s laws for estate planning, probate and trust laws, are unique. As a result, an attorney makes sure you have the correct paperwork for your state. During the heartbreak of loss or illness is not the time to find out that paperwork is not legal. If you already have a will, but it was written out of state, it is suggested to let a Florida attorney review it to ensure compliance with Florida law. Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz have been helping clients for nearly 60 years with their estate planning needs. More than 52 percent of people over the age of 55 do not have a will or other key documents they might need during the pandemic. Creating your estate plan with an attorney protects you, the people you care for, and your savings and property.

Food Poisoning in Southwest Florida Restaurants From 1998 to 2015, 52 people in Florida died due to foodborne illnesses, or food poisoning.¹ This is compounded by over 31,000 illnesses and over 2,000 hospitalizations. Food poisoning is actually a reaction to harmful bacteria, viruses and microbes that enter the body through food. While it is possible to contract food poisoning through food prepared at home, according to the CDC 68% of outbreaks occur from restaurants.² If a restaurant fails to properly source, manage, and prepare food responsibly, resulting in sickness or even hospitalization, it may be prudent to seek litigation, especially if the incident resulted in incurred debt. Three common bacteria and viruses that lead to food poisoning are salmonella, listeria, and norovirus. These are by no means the only causes for affliction but do comprise the largest percentage of illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths related to foodborne illnesses. Salmonella. There were more than one million people in the US from 2000-2008 that became sick due to the bacteria Salmonella.³  Salmonella results from undercooked meats and eggs, so make sure that a restaurant properly prepares your food to the proper temperature, especially if dining with small children or the elderly. Salmonella leads to flu-like symptoms that can last up to seven days. Listeria. This bacteria found mostly in dairy is especially important to monitor in Florida because over half of the cases of listeria in the US are in people 65 years or older. Listeria results in flu-like symptoms, which can cause dangerous levels of dehydration in the elderly. To prevent listeria poisoning, make sure to eat cheeses made with pasteurized milk, and refrain from eating soft cheeses. Norovirus. From 2000-2008, there were over five million cases of norovirus in the US, resulting in 150 deaths. This virus is incredibly contagious and just a small amount of it and can infect. Norovirus results in the inflammation of the stomach and intestines, causing flu like symptoms that are dangerous or the young and elderly. It is important that an infected person not prepare food for 48 hours after the symptoms stop, as food is often the biggest transporters of the virus. Who to call Many of us go to restaurants our whole lives and never contract food poisoning. However, if it happens to you it is important to determine if the restaurant acted in every way possible to prevent the illness. If you have become sick after eating at a restaurant and believe the establishment holds some responsibility, it is important to seek legal counsel. SWFL attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, and Purtz have over 50 years of legal experience in dealing with personal injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Plan Ahead: What You Can Do With Extra Time During these uncertain times of the coronavirus outbreak, people may be finding themselves with available unplanned time. What you can do with extra time includes planning ahead for the future. It’s a great time to make sure all your insurance, estate and medical access documents are adequate and up to date and you and your loved ones know where to locate them are in case of emergency. Many of us grew up in a different time. When a friend or relative was hospitalized, we could call the hospital to inquire about their well-being. Today with HIPAA regulations, hospitals and doctors are no longer able to give out any patient information or confirm a patient is even in the hospital, unless you are married. This is even true for parents whose children are over the age of 18! Parents have no rights to obtain medical information on legal-age children, even if the child is covered under the parent’s health insurance. A signed HIPAA authorization and Medical Power of Attorney allows parents access to their adult children’s medical information, or unmarried partners to get information on their partner. Requirements for these documents can vary from state to state, so an attorney can make sure documents are appropriate for each situation. Something that most people put off is to update or create a will or trust that makes sure your loved ones are cared for should something happen to you. Not having a will and/or trust may increase your family’s tax liabilities, not to mention the legal disputes or challenges that result when there is no estate plan in place. An experienced attorney can help guide your estate planning experience and tailor your documents to meet your needs and wishes for the future. Why Plan? There are people who count on you. The unexpected does happen. It’s not as complicated or time-consuming as you think. What You Can Do With Extra Time If you have already prepared your will or trust, know that it is not a one-time project but a lifelong process that requires revisiting. Now is a good time to review to make sure your wishes haven’t changed. Here are a few ideas about what you can do with extra time: Are the beneficiaries you selected in your will and trust still the ones you would name today? How about alternates? Are they still willing and able to assume those responsibilities? Are the beneficiaries on your life insurance up to date? For those with minor children, are the guardians you named the persons you want to raise your children? What about pets? Have you designated who will care for them? Does your planning reflect all your assets, big and small? Have you created letters of instruction with key information in the event of an emergency, including names and contact information for key professional advisors, location of original records, how to find passwords and other key online information, key medical information, insurances summaries and other general instructions? With hurricane season beginning May 1, you can take time to review your homeowners and medical insurance coverage. An attorney can review confusing homeowners and medical insurance policies and explain coverage and any limitations. And while many people are staying home, time on the road or in grocery stores can still result in accidents, particularly with an anxious and stressed population. While it may seem like nearly everything is closed and you may feel like you are on your own, we are available and committed to providing our community and clients with service and representation you can depend on. Speaking of what you can do with extra time: In the event of an accident, it is still important to take steps to collect information and get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible. Check for injuries and start first aid if needed. Remain calm. Move yourself to a safe location if necessary. Call 911 for law enforcement and emergency medical personnel assistance. Take note of other vehicles, type, color, damage, license plate number, etc. Take pictures if possible. Identify witnesses and obtain their contact information. Speak to police only. Do not make any admissions to anyone. When being examined by EMS personnel, let them know how you feel everywhere on your body. Do not withhold injury information from them. Locate your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance information for police. If your car is not drivable, ask for a towing company of your choice and have your vehicle towed to a location of your choice (dealer, body shop, or another storage free location). Towing companies charge $25 or more to store your car and if your bill is not paid within a specified time, the tow company may take ownership of your car. Have all injuries checked by a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant as soon as possible, but not more than 14 days after the accident. Report the accident to your own insurance company. (Do not give a recorded statement without legal representation). Seek all medical help recommended by your doctors. Since 1962, we have weathered challenging times together. Our legal firm has been protecting our neighbors in Southwest Florida for nearly 60 years. We will continue to provide uninterrupted legal support through virtual services now available that include video conferencing and telephone consultations. Upon engaging our services, we offer secure electronic document signing and execution. Our priority, as always, is the safety of the community and our neighbors. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the coronavirus (COVID–19) pandemic.

Broadside/T-Bone Collision T-bone collisions are also known as broadside collisions or right-angle collisions.  A T-bone collision is a car accident that occurs when a one-vehicle is struck by the front or rear of another vehicle, forming the letter “T.”  A broadside/T-bone collision is likely to be more severe than other types of car accidents, however, the severity of the damage and/or injuries is dependent on the point of impact, the vehicles’ safety features, vehicle speeds, and vehicle weight and construction.  Furthermore,  in T-bone collisions drivers are often left less protected than in other types of collisions because only a door is protecting them from the other vehicle. Stats ( AVVO.com, a legal website) 13% of all car accidents are T-bone collisions More than 50% of all car accident deaths involve a T-Bone style Collision Causes and Avoidance T-bone collisions can be caused by several different things, however most commonly are caused by one driver’s failure to yield right of way to another vehicle.   Intersections are a common location for T-bone collisions because drivers may neglect to stop for traffic lights or stop signs.   Additionally, power outages increase the risk of being involved in a T-bone collision because drivers may be unsure when it is safe to enter an intersection or may choose to enter the intersection at an unsafe time. There are several tips to avoid a broadside/T-bone collision for which drivers should be aware: Cross intersections carefully, cautiously, and at a safe speed Check your brakes – Before you drive Follow traffic rules and signals – lights, signals, and signs were placed in their locations for a reason Be extra watchful for pickups and trucks with trailers Who to call if injured in a broadside or T-bone car accident in Southwest Florida T-Bone Collisions can be very severe.   If you or someone you know has suffered injury, financial loss, or even fatality from a T-bone collision it is important to seek experienced legal counsel.   The attorneys at Goldstein Buckley, Cechman, Rice, and Purtz have over 5 decades of legal expertise in dealing with personal injuries.   Call us today to schedule a free consultation.

Rear-End Collision Accident According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) there were 1.7 million rear-end collisions on U.S. roads in 2012. The rear-end collision is the most frequent type of automobile accident. The injuries sustained in a rear-end accident can be very serious and even deadly. The NTSB also mentions that many of these rear-end crashes could be prevented with more caution and better technology. Until these changes take place here are some things to know if you are involved in a rear-end collision. Types of Rear-End Collision A rear-end accident involves the front of one vehicle colliding with the back of another vehicle. There are two main types of rear-end crashes. Front vehicle is stationary: Stop light Sitting in traffic Parked Side of the road The front vehicle would be moving in the other type of rear-end collision. Speed will also be an important part of determining the severity of a rear-end accident. High speed crashes are more likely to result in serious injury or death. However, low speeds crashes can still result in severe injuries that might include whiplash, headaches or other injuries that develop over time. Who Is At Fault? Many people believe that the vehicle that runs into another vehicle will always be at fault. There are situations in which the front vehicle can be held liable for a rear-end collision. Brake lights not functioning Disabled vehicle stopped in traffic Front vehicle backing into the other vehicle It is important to work with an experienced attorney when you are involved in a rear-end accident. Who to Call If you or some you know have been involved in a rear-end accident it is important to know your rights. The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice and Purtz have over 5o years of experience with personal injury cases. We have six offices located in Southwest Florida. Call us today to set up your appointment for a free consultation.

Gulfshore Business magazine recently selected Christopher Smith, a managing partner, from hundreds of nominations for the publication’s 18th annual salute to 40 rising stars under the age of 40. “This year’s recipients draw experience from impressive backgrounds and have amassed significant accomplishments in their respective fields,” wrote Heidi Rambo Centrella, editor-in-chief for the publication. Kudos to Christopher Smith! The 40 people featured in the September issue of Gulfshore Business were celebrated virtually on Sept. 2. Smith remains humble as ever, crediting his father for the award. “My dad instilled in me that hard work will always get you where you want to be,” said Smith. Smith joins his wife, Attorney Andrea Pleimling Smith, in receiving this distinction. She was selected in 2019 for Business Observer’s 40 Under 40.

Passenger Van Accidents in Southwest Florida Like any vehicle, passenger van accidents can be a common occurrence during the seasonal months in Southwest Florida. Passenger vans are large vehicles usually designed to transport 12-15 people. Organizations often use passenger vans because they are convenient for transporting small groups and are less cumbersome to drive than larger transport vehicles, especially for smaller, local business and community groups. There are over half a million 15 passenger vans registered in the United States today. However ubiquitous they are, it is important to understand the heightened risks unique to passenger vans. The most prevalent risk is rollover during an accident. The rollover rate for passenger van accidents in a single vehicle crash when filled to less than half capacity is as low as 20%. However, this number jumps to 44% when a passenger van is loaded to over half capacity. This ratio is the highest of any vehicle type. Passenger vans have a higher center of gravity, like SUVs, so drivers must take extra caution, especially on winding roads. Safety Procedures for Passenger Vans If you have been injured in a passenger van accident, it is important to determine if the driver and/or owner of the vehicle operated and maintained the van to the utmost safety standards. All drivers of passenger vans should follow these guidelines to ensure occupant safety: Tire pressure and tread should be checked before every use. Tires should not be loaded higher than the manufacturer’s guidelines. Occupant load should never exceed 15, or fewer in the case of smaller vans. Overloading a van greatly increases your risk of rollover in an accident. Drivers should not carry loads on top of the van. Cautious driving is imperative to safety, especially if the van is over half capacity. Due to the high center of gravity in passenger vans, turns should be taken at a slow speed. Who to Call If Injured in a Commercial Van Accident in Southwest Florida If you have sustained an injury in passenger van accidents as a occupant, especially if you believe the driver or the owner’s negligibility resulted in that accident, it is important to seek legal counsel to get the justice you deserve. The Southwest Florida attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz have over 50 years of legal experience in dealing with personal injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

There are a number of good questions to ask when hiring a personal injury attorney. Knowing that accidents can happen does not detract from the pain and confusion that can result when an accident or injury happens to you or a loved one, as you try to deal with the aftermath. Personal injury cases are legal disputes that arise when one person suffers harm from an accident or injury, and someone else might be legally responsible for that harm. Some examples of personal injury include: Car and truck accidents Motorcycle accidents Slip and fall accidents Dog bites Boating accidents Home accidents Medical malpractice Wrongful death There are many questions to ask when hiring a personal injury attorney to represent your rights. Many personal injury accidents involve insurance companies, which often have a lot of legal resources. To level the playing field, it’s helpful to have your own team of experts when dealing with insurance companies, whether your own carrier or the carrier of the other party. Bottom line: insurance companies will protect their own interests first. It’s also important to have the right medical team handling your injuries. A personal injury attorney will be knowledgeable about laws in the state and help get you the right medical experts who will be able to explain how your injuries could impact you in the future. An attorney can also spend the time to request medical records, review police reports, communicate with the insurance adjuster and be objective while you may be hurt, frustrated and angry. Attorneys also have many tools to pursue a fair settlement, including arbitration, mediation or even trial. Questions to Ask When Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney The questions to ask when hiring a personal injury attorney should include several aspects such as education, legal skill and experience. The attorney you retain should have a proven record of winning cases similar to yours and should be willing to thoroughly explain his or her recommendations based on the specific details of your case. In addition to experience, does the attorney you are considering have certifications and industry endorsements, such as the Florida Bar Association’s Board Certification? Peer reviews such as The Martindale-Hubbell Bar Registry, which has peer review ratings of more than 1 million lawyers across the country, The Best Lawyers in America), which are selected by peers, and Super Lawyers, which have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement are a few to look for. It’s important that you feel comfortable with the attorney you hire, and confident that your interests will be a top priority – comfortable enough to bring your questions to ask when hiring a personal injury attorney. Who will do the work on my case? Will your initial consultation be with an attorney, or with a non-attorney staff member? It’s important to meet the attorney who will be working on your case and ask them about how communication will be handled and what level of access you will have to them. Are client reviews available? They can help you see the experience through a client’s eyes. What is your level of courtroom experience? Despite what television and films might portray, most civil cases do not go to trial, so why is it important to seek an attorney with trial experience? The prospect of a potential trial will have significant impact on your case and its value. If the insurance company knows your lawyer doesn’t typically go to trial, they may offer less. It’s more effective if negotiations reflect the fact that an unsatisfactory settlement offer may result in taking the case to trial. What is my case worth? There is no tried and proven formula to determine exactly how much a case is worth and it may depend on several factors including: how the evidence is received and evaluated by a jury; whether or not there are any inconsistencies in testimony; the availability of medical records; pre-existing conditions and other factors that would allow the insurance company’s lawyer to attack the credibility of the injured party. Under the law, plaintiffs in personal injury cases are entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. These include: Past medical bills Future medical bills Past lost wages Loss of future earning capacity Pain and suffering Inconvenience Loss of capacity to enjoy life Mental anguish Disability Disfigurement Because every case is different, even with all the information, it is very difficult for anyone to establish an exact figure as to the net worth of a case. But, typically, a range of value can be determined. What are the attorney’s fees and costs for a personal injury case? Fees in a personal injury case are contingent upon the financial recovery in your case. The fees are in accordance with guidelines set by the Florida Supreme Court. If there is no recovery, there is no fee. Therefore, lawyers share a common objective of obtaining a favorable result in your case. Make sure your financial arrangement is clearly and fully explained at the initial interview as well as during pursuit of the case. Why must I pay “costs” in my case? In Florida, a lawyer or law firm is not permitted to obtain a financial interest in the client’s case. To ensure this does not happen, Florida Bar rules governing the conduct of lawyers allows a law firm to advance the costs of a case or litigation, but the client must remain responsible to the law firm to reimburse the costs of the matter. Depending on the type of case involved, costs can be minimal or can run into thousands of dollars if complex litigation is involved. In cases that are settled before a lawsuit is filed, the costs are much less. Costs can include: Court filing fees Expert witness fees Administrative fees Information-gathering expenses In certain cases, these expended costs can be recovered from the insurance company directly. What is the level of experience of the firm? Experience is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an attorney. With experience, a personal injury attorney will be able to anticipate problems before they occur, and effectively defend arguments against a victim’s compensation. Any potential personal injury case requires a detailed understanding of the facts, the processes and the law. If an accident has impacted your life — and someone else is liable for that injury — then you may be entitled to compensation. Hopefully this has helped you better understand the questions to ask when hiring a personal injury attorney. For a consultation, give us a call.

Florida Slips, Trips and Falls Florida slips, trips and falls are the 3rd leading cause of unintentional death according to the National Safety Council (NSC). As people age, the likelihood of a fall increases. Injury Facts 2016 reports that among Americans age 65 and older, slips are the number one cause of injury related death. Statistics for Slip, Trip, and Fall Injuries The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has provided statistics illustrating the seriousness of slips, trip and falls. One out of every three older Americans falls each year In 2013 emergency rooms treated 2.5 million victims of falls 25,500 older adults suffered fatalities from falls in 2013 Each year 250,000 hip fractures are reported – 95% of which are from falls Fall Prevention While aging itself is not the culprit of falls, the two go hand in hand. Muscle weakness, medications, and lessened mobility increase the risk of falls among older Americans. There are tips to reducing the probability of suffering a fall-related injury however. Remove clutter (unnecessary furniture, chords, pet gear, rugs, etc.) Wipe up spills as soon as possible Use non-skid mats in bathrooms Install grab bars in bathrooms Maintain adequate home lighting Keep frequently used items in easily accessible locations Use devises to aid in walking safely (canes, walkers, etc.) Additionally, exercise serves as a strong method of preventing falls. The Harvard Medical School has advised older adults to participate in Tai Chi to help reduce the risk of a fall. Tai Chi participants reduced the probability of falling by 55% based on 3 days a week of participation. Who to Call If Injured in a Slip, Trip or Fall Accident in Southwest Florida Falls can lead to a variety of injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, hip fractures and many others. If you or someone you know has suffered an injury from a fall it is important to seek experienced legal counsel. The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, and Purtz have over 50 years experience dealing with personal injury law. With offices throughout Southwest Florida, we are here to conveniently serve you. Call us today for a free consultation.

Nighttime Vehicle Accidents in Southwest Florida If you have a license to drive in Florida, life, work and family often necessitates you drive at night. Nighttime driving is often perceived as more dangerous than daytime driving. In reality, the rate of nighttime vehicle accidents that result in fatalities at night versus during the day is almost the same. However, it is the added variables to nighttime driving that make being alert and responsible imperative if you are on the road after dark, such as impaired and fatigued driving. If you are involved in a car accident at night, you should confirm that the driver of the other vehicle is licensed to drive at that time. In Florida, a teen with a learner’s license is never permitted to drive after 10 p.m. In addition, even when a teenager graduates from a learner’s permit to a driver’s license, that license is limited as well, often requiring the presence of a licensed driver over 21 if it is past 11 p.m.1 If the other driver is elderly, it is possible they are driving past nighttime restrictions placed on some licenses of those over a certain age. Florida Nighttime Accidents: The Dangers It is important to be cognizant of the factors that make nighttime driving particularly precarious: Impaired driving- According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the percent of fatal nighttime vehicle accidents involving drivers with any alcohol in their blood is 60% at night as opposed to 18% during the day. When you limit this statistic to accidents involving drivers with a BAC over the legal limit of .08, it is 54% at night versus 14% during the day.2 Fatigued driving- From 2005 to 2009 there were over 4,000 deaths and 30,000 injuries resulting from crashes caused by drowsy driving.3 At night, when many drivers have not had adequate sleep, these risks increase. Who to Call if injured in nighttime traffic accidents in Southwest Florida If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, it is important to seek legal counsel to get the justice you deserve. SWFL attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz have over 50 years of legal experience in dealing with personal injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.